Classes
The Newcomers class caters for riders who have no previous experience of the Mountain Circuit. Such a class does not feature in the programme of the TT and is thus the only opportunity for newcomers to race the circuit in competition. Classes are usually over-subscribed as a result. Riders are limited to machinery with a capacity not exceeding 600cc and must wear coloured bibs over their leathers during 'Practice' (see below). Newcomers are also permitted to submit an application for any of the other classes but may or may not be granted a ride depending on their levels of experience.
The Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight class is represented by machinery of 125cc, 250cc and 400cc capacity. This class featured at the TT until 2004 but is now defunct and so, like the Newcomers' class, is extremely popular. 'Lightweight' refers to the 250cc 2-stroke machines whilst Ultra-Lightweight is the 125 2-strokes and 400cc 4-stroke bikes. This class is run as two separate races on Race Days (see below) but all the machines leave the start line in the same 'Session' (see below.)
The Junior Class features machines whose capacity must not exceed 750cc. Machines of any engine capacity between 200 and 750cc are permitted but the vast majority of entrants opt to race four-stroke 4-cylinder 600cc bikes. Some 2-stroke 250cc machines are entered and there is a separate award for the highest-placed 2-stroke finisher (see 'Awards' below.)
The Senior Class is the final race of MGP fortnight and allows for motorcycles with an engine capacity not exceeding 1000cc. Again 600cc bikes are more popular than any other but a number of 750s are sprinkled in the start list.
The Senior Classic race features the most diverse range of marques and is very popular, with a full quota of 105 entrants accepted in 2005. Entrants must field a machine with an engine capacity between 350 and 500cc. Most riders choose machines with a capacity of between 450 and 500cc and common marques include Norton, Honda, Seeley and Matchless with the odd BSA and Ducati.
The Junior/Lightweight Classic is open to machines of 350cc capacity or lower. Run as separate races for machines between 250-350cc (Junior) and under 250cc (Lightweight) all bikes are on-circuit at the same time during the race, but are released at separate class intervals. (This procedure also applies to the Lightweight/Ultra Lightweight.)
In 2008 the Manx Motor Cycle Club recognised the emergence of Post Classic racing These machines manufactured in the 1980s have also had a history of being raced on the Isle of Man TT course. The 2009 Post Classic Race was introduced with regulations designed to test machine availability. They stated “it has been agreed to keep these regulations as flexible as possible, but they may be subject to change in 2010”.
Whilst being encouraged by the interest in the 2009 Post Classic Race the number of four stroke entries were fewer than expected. The reasons were perceived to be certain restrictions, and the cut off date of 1981.
The Formula Classic race is to allow 750cc pre 1973 Classic four stroke machines (now 850cc pre 1974 as for the 2011 meeting) to compete alongside the 500cc “Senior Classic” machines.
The Senior Post Classic: for 601 to 1050cc four stroke machines and 351 to 750cc two stroke machines, cut off date 31 December 1985. The Junior Post Classic: four stroke machines up to 600cc, cut off date 31 December 1985 and two stroke machines up to 350cc, Grand Prix Factory Bikes Steel frame or period aluminium frame, any brakes, any wheels, cut off date 31 December 1984. Standard frames, Standard fairing, any ignition, no airboxes. Any brakes. Cut off dates 1 January 1985 – 31 December 1991.
Both the Senior Post Classic and Junior Post Classic are being run concurrently meaning one race with 2 separate classes.
By 2011, the Senior Post Classic was renamed as the Classic Superbike race or "Polo Class" and the introduction of a Twin Cylinder (Super Twin) MGP Race incorporating 650cc four stroke and 250cc two stroke machines and the reworking of the Lightweight MGP Race, limiting the race to 400cc four stroke, 125cc two stroke and the exciting new 450cc single cylinder machines.
As mentioned previously, newcomers must wear a coloured bib (usually orange or yellow) during practice sessions to distinguish themselves to other riders. Similarly, classic riders are obliged to wear white bibs. This does not apply during races as all the riders are obviously in the same class.
Read more about this topic: Manx Grand Prix
Famous quotes containing the word classes:
“Classes struggle, some classes triumph, others are eliminated. Such is history; such is the history of civilization for thousands of years.”
—Mao Zedong (1893–1976)
“There are three classes into which all the women past seventy that ever I knew were to be divided: 1. That dear old soul; 2. That old woman; 3. That old witch.”
—Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834)
“Is a man too strong and fierce for society, and by temper and position a bad citizen,—a morose ruffian, with a dash of the pirate in him;Mnature sends him a troop of pretty sons and daughters, who are getting along in the dame’s classes at the village school, and love and fear for them smooths his grim scowl to courtesy. Thus she contrives to intenerate the granite and the feldspar, takes the boar out and puts the lamb in, and keeps her balance true.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)